Gaza - A Hamas security force member was killed early on Saturday in clashes with a clan in eastern Gaza city, witnesses and medical sources said, adding the exchange of fire left eight casualties among the two sides.

Four policemen were wounded and four from "the trouble makers in Helles family in al-Sheja'eya neighborhood in eastern Gaza city," said Islam Shahwan, a spokesman for Hamas police.

Shahwan added that the attack on the pro-Fatah clan was part of a police campaign to chase down suspects who may have involved in July 25 beachside blast that killed a girl and five Hamas members.

A member of Helles family, meanwhile, said the clan will "fight to defend itself," accusing Hamas of "trying to export its internal crisis by accusing the family of being behind the beach explosion."

Following the beach blast, Hamas immediately accused president Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah party of being implicated in the crime. Backed with the movement's armed wing, Hamas launched a crackdown against Fatah supporters and organizations, arresting hundreds of them and shutting down dozens of civil society institutions. (dpa)